Soulful Southern Creamed Corn

If there’s one thing a Louisiana upbringing teaches you, it’s how to transform simple vegetables into dishes so enticing, you’ll want to pile them high on your plate. Southern Creamed Corn stands as a prime example of this culinary magic. This beloved side dish, deeply rooted in the heart of Southern comfort food, is more than just corn; it’s a silky, rich, and profoundly flavorful experience. Having grown up savoring and perfecting dishes like this, I’ve refined this recipe to achieve a perfectly balanced, consistently smooth, and utterly delicious result every single time. Forget the watery, bland canned versions – this is the authentic, homemade Southern Creamed Corn you’ve been dreaming of.

The Irresistible Allure of Southern Creamed Corn

What sets Southern Creamed Corn apart is its unique blend of sweet and savory notes, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements a wide range of main dishes. While some prefer their creamed corn on the sweeter side, I’ve always loved a subtle savory kick that elevates the dish, making it truly unforgettable. This versatile side can be tailored to your preference, ensuring a delightful addition to any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday spreads.

This classic Southern staple pairs wonderfully with a variety of hearty meals. Imagine serving this alongside my popular Southern classics such as Southern Fried Chicken, tender Southern Pork Chops, or rich Smothered Turkey Wings. Its creamy texture and robust flavor provide the perfect counterpoint to savory meats, making every bite a true Southern comfort experience. Whether it’s a family gathering or a special occasion, this creamed corn recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Southern Creamed Corn Ingredients: The Heart of the Flavor

Crafting the perfect Southern Creamed Corn starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that coveted creamy texture and rich, balanced flavor profile.

• Corn: The star of our dish. While fresh corn cut straight from the cob offers an unparalleled sweetness and texture, high-quality frozen corn is an excellent and convenient alternative, available year-round. It retains much of its flavor and texture, making it ideal for this recipe. If using canned corn, be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid a watery consistency.
• Bacon: A quintessential Southern flavor enhancer. Cooked until crisp and then crumbled, bacon adds a smoky, salty depth that elevates the creamed corn from good to extraordinary. The rendered bacon fat also serves as the base for our roux, infusing the entire dish with a rich, savory essence.
• Butter: Another foundational ingredient for richness and flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, while its creamy texture contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel.
• Flour: Essential for creating a roux, which acts as a thickening agent. When cooked with butter and bacon drippings, flour forms a smooth paste that gives the creamed corn its characteristic luscious and thick consistency.
• Heavy Cream or Half and Half: The key to the dish’s creaminess. Heavy cream provides the richest, most decadent result, while half and half offers a slightly lighter yet still wonderfully creamy alternative. The higher fat content of these dairy products is crucial for achieving a thick, velvety sauce that clings to the corn kernels.
• Sugar or Sweetener: To balance the savory notes and enhance the corn’s natural sweetness. The amount can be adjusted to your personal preference, from just a hint of sweetness to a more prominent sweet profile, characteristic of many Southern preparations.
• Spices: Salt and pepper are non-negotiable for seasoning. Creole Seasoning is an optional but highly recommended addition, introducing a vibrant, complex savory kick that truly embodies the spirit of Louisiana cooking. Other spices like a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a little heat.

How to Make Southern Creamed Corn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making homemade Southern Creamed Corn is surprisingly simple, yet the results are incredibly rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a dish that will impress everyone at your table.

1. Cook the Bacon: Begin by heating a sturdy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Add your diced bacon and cook it slowly, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a beautiful crispness. This step is crucial not only for the flavorful bacon bits but also for rendering out the delicious bacon fat, which forms the foundation of our creamy sauce.
2. Prepare the Roux Base: Carefully drain most of the excess bacon grease from the pan, reserving about a tablespoon. This flavorful residual fat is key. To this, add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth roux. This flour-and-fat mixture is what will thicken your creamed corn to perfection, preventing it from being runny.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour in the heavy cream (or half and half) while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add your chosen sugar or sweetener, a generous dash of Creole Seasoning (if using for that savory kick), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture begins to gently warm and thicken.
4. Incorporate Corn and Bacon: Stir in the corn and the cooked, crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce. Ensure everything is evenly distributed. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the corn to heat through and the sauce to further thicken and meld all the flavors.
5. Season to Perfection: This is a crucial step! Taste the creamed corn repeatedly throughout the final cooking stage. Adjust the sweetener, salt, and pepper as needed. Some prefer it sweeter, others more savory. Don’t be shy about fine-tuning the seasonings until it hits your personal sweet spot. Once thickened to your desired consistency and perfectly seasoned, remove from heat and serve hot.

Creamed Corn Pro Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use bacon in creamed corn?

While bacon adds a signature smoky, savory depth to Southern Creamed Corn, it is absolutely optional. If you prefer a vegetarian version or simply aren’t a fan of bacon, feel free to omit it. For a similar richness, you can increase the amount of butter used by 1-2 tablespoons or use a high-quality cooking oil in its place. The essence of the dish will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful.

My creamed corn is runny. How do I prevent runny creamed corn?

A thick, rich consistency is key to perfect creamed corn. Using heavy cream or half-and-half instead of lighter milk options is the first step, as their higher fat content naturally thickens the sauce. If your creamed corn still seems too thin, you can easily thicken it further: create a slurry. Mix a small amount of cornstarch (1-2 teaspoons) or flour with an equal amount of cold water in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into your simmering creamed corn, continuing to stir constantly to prevent lumps, until it reaches your desired thickness. Give it a minute or two to thicken after adding.

Can I make creamed corn ahead of time, and how should I store leftovers?

This dish is so quick and easy to prepare that serving it fresh, right off the stove, offers the best flavor and texture. The creamy sauce is at its peak when warm. However, if you have leftovers or need to prepare it a little in advance, it stores well. Transfer the cooled creamed corn to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing creamed corn: What to expect?

You can freeze creamed corn, but be aware that the dairy component may separate when reheated, leading to a slightly different texture than fresh. While the flavor will largely remain intact, the once-silky consistency might become a bit grainy. If you do freeze it, thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring well. Adding a little fresh cream during reheating can help revive some of its original texture.

Choosing the Right Corn: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?

For the best flavor and texture, fresh corn cut from the cob is always a winner, especially when sweet corn is in season. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen corn is an excellent second choice. Ensure it’s defrosted and any excess moisture is drained before adding it to the recipe. Canned corn can also be used in a pinch, but remember to drain it very well and rinse if desired, as it can sometimes have a briny flavor that might alter the final taste.

The Perfect Balance: Sweetness and Savory Notes

The beauty of Southern Creamed Corn lies in its adaptable flavor profile. I personally love the combination of sweetness from sugar (or a sweetener) balanced with a savory kick from Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. This creates a complex, comforting taste that is truly irresistible. If your preference leans towards a purely sweet creamed corn, simply omit the Creole seasoning and adjust the sugar to your desired level of sweetness. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust throughout the cooking process to find your perfect balance.

Classic Southern Creamed Corn

Author: Brandi Crawford

A true taste of Louisiana, this Southern Creamed Corn recipe delivers a silky, rich, and perfectly balanced side dish that will make vegetables the star of any meal. Forget the canned versions – this homemade recipe is the real deal, tested and perfected to bring authentic Southern flavor to your table every time.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 4 votes)

Print Recipe |
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 178 kcal

Equipment

• Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, diced into ½ – 1 inch pieces.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 cup half and half or heavy whipping cream
• 1-2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar (Adjust to your taste. I use 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning (Optional for more of a savory kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 28 oz corn (If using canned corn, drain it first. If using frozen, defrost it and drain any excess moisture.)

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add the bacon. Cook both sides until crisp.
2. Drain any excess grease from the pan, but reserve about a tablespoon of grease. Do not drain if this is all you have. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
3. Add the butter to the pan with the bacon drippings. Allow the butter to melt and then sprinkle in the flour. Stir to thicken. This will create a roux that will thicken up the creamed corn.
4. Add in the heavy cream (or half and half), sugar or sweetener, Creole Seasoning (optional), salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Add in the corn and cooked bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes and stir until the mixture thickens. Taste repeatedly and adjust sweetener, salt, and pepper as needed.

Notes

• I love to use frozen corn because it’s easy to find and is available year-round. We often serve this dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
• You can also use fresh ears of corn. You can use 4 ears of corn. You will have to peel and remove the husks and then slice the corn from the cob.
• You can use whatever spices you like on the corn and substitute Creole Seasoning with whatever you wish.
• If your corn is too runny, you can thicken it with additional flour. Start with ½ tablespoon of flour and combine it with ½ tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this into the corn mixture until thick. Repeat if it still needs thickening.
• If your corn is too thick, add a little half and half or milk to make it creamier.
• I love to serve this sweetened, but with a savory kick! The flavor is totally up to you. I combine Creole seasoning, sweetener, salt, and pepper. A lot of people just like for their creamed corn to be sweet. If that’s the case omit the Creole seasoning and just use sweetener or sugar.
• Bacon can be substituted for 1-2 tablespoons of butter or any oil for a similar richness.
• Milk or heavy cream can be substituted for half and half. Be aware that milk is much thinner, so your corn will not be as thick.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup, Calories: 178 kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 8g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel! Check out our videos for more recipes and cooking tips!

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was! We’d love to hear your feedback.

Pair With These Southern Main Dishes

Southern Creamed Corn is a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Its rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor profile make it an ideal accompaniment for hearty meats and poultry. Here are some fantastic Southern main dishes that pair perfectly with this delectable creamed corn:

• Baked Turkey Wings
• Cajun Roasted Turkey
• Smothered Chicken
• Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
• Southern Baked Ham with Pineapple
• Southern Fried Chicken
• Southern Pork Chops
• Smothered Turkey Wings

More Southern Side Dish Recipes to Complete Your Feast

No Southern meal is complete without an array of flavorful side dishes. From comforting classics to tangy greens, these recipes will perfectly round out any feast and bring true Southern hospitality to your table. Explore some of our other cherished Southern side dish recipes:

• Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
• Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Southern Mustard Greens
• Southern Style Green Beans
• Southern Baked Beans
• Homemade Southern Cornbread
• Seafood Mac and Cheese

For a comprehensive guide to soulful cooking, be sure to check out our extensive list of The Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here. If you’re looking to elevate your holiday feast, don’t miss our delicious Thanksgiving Chicken recipe, a perfect alternative to traditional turkey. For those who prefer a visual guide, you can also watch step-by-step instructions on how to make this Southern Creamed Corn recipe on Youtube.